CULTURAL DIVERSITY FOR DIALOGUE AND DEVELOPMENT.
“On a global scale we are brothers and sisters of the same human family and if we understand that, then we will listen to understand them and then we will be understood”. Steve Down.
Cultural diversity is all about understanding people who come from different background having learnt from different experiences and practices. However this people can come together for the betterment of their growth and development. Cultural development takes into account the language, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, ethnicity, class, disability, health, geographical locations and other factors.
CEO, Steve Down, appreciates this fact for that, the time he has been in Africa, he has seen the many cultural diversities that exist and yet people have embraced this and have learnt how to bring in their different experience and practices so as to plan a way forward for their people.
Cultural awareness or cultural sensitivity helps us to be aware that cultural differences and similarities exit, and not judge people based on that. It helps us to create a non-judgemental mindset that lets us observe cultural differences without labelling ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Cultural diversity supports the idea that everybody can make a unique and positive contribution to the larger society.
Steve opines that it literally takes active listening, empathy, tolerance and peace so as to first understand each other and then bring development to the nations since culture is what shapes us. It gives us an identity and influences our behaviours. Steve says that when it comes to dialogue and development, the principle to focus on is one he learnt from one of his mentors, Stephen R. Covey, author of 7 HABIT OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE. This principle focuses on seeking to understand other people’s perspective so that you too can be understood.
In our countries, workplaces and schools, we consist of various cultural, racial and ethnic groups. We can learn from each other, but first we must appreciate one another by having a high level of understanding about each other, so as to facilitate cooperation and collaboration.
Seek first to understand so that you can be understood- Stephen R. Covey.